Looking For Control Freaks & Worry Warts too (Part 2)

[Camster0307]

Jillian - I couldn't figure out what it was??? Spell out part of it and them put in the stars. Inquiring minds want to know!

Tammie - March, huh? I can do that!!!!! We came down this year for a weekend in March, so if we go in November, it might be time for a quick trip in March!

The lizard on the back porch was a SKINK, according to one of the guys that runs summer camp. He described it perfectly, said they are totally harmless and have no teeth! I told Jeff next time I WILL just let Bucky out to have his way with them. And I don't know what happened to this one. I hunted for him last night on the porch but I think he got out. Whew!

Just had a little scare though (7am is TOOOOO early for this!) when I went down the street to let my neighbor's dog out. I go in the house and I hear "beep beep beep." Great! They have an alarm and didn't tell me! So I take big ole Baxter, their golden retreiver, out to do his bidness. When I come in, still "beep beep beep." All I can think is that surely the police won't handcuff me and haul me off. After all, if I were there to rob them, would I have pulled up in a golf cart in my pajamas??? I hadn't even brushed me teeth yet!!! So I stopped and listened and it was the alarm CLOCK in the bedroom. Whew! So I won't need any of you to bake me a cake with a file in it! But thanks for the offer!

Then, I pull the golf cart into the garage, step out and see (literally!) the BIGGEST spider I've ever seen in my LIFE! Why do I keep capitalizing words??? Anywho.... I know I've said this before, but they just keep getting bigger! This one was seriously about as big in diameter (legs included) as a softball, and the body alone was about the diameter of just smaller than a golf ball (barely smaller!). It was horrible! I told Jeff if I would have stepped on it it would have thrown me off balance!!! Oh, how I hate Florida!!!!!

I think the word Jillian was trying to use was Mass -- holes (put it together) It's an endearing term we give to the natives up here. But I must remind you, Jillian, I am a Jersey girl! That term certainly does not apply to me!

Glad to hear you escaped the law this a.m. You realize your credibility would have went right out the window if I saw you on the 11 o'clock news!

And, please stop telling us about all those gross creatures you keep finding!

I want to keep my dream of living in Florida some day alive. Your stories are scaring me off! Please - ignorance is bliss!

 

[karajeboo]

Cammie - Once again, Debbie will be so proud of you with all your smilies!!!! I'd never heard that word that Jillian used. Hmmm... down here we just call y'all "yankees."

Kinda funny, cause when we moved to SC from Ohio, we found out that a lot of southern hospitality is very phony. A lot of southerners really do NOT like northerners. To them it is still the "war of Northern aggression." But once we blended in, we came to love southern living! But we still tease all our friends up north about being "yankees." One guy used to tell me all the time that a southerners biggest nightmare was a yankee with a U-haul!

 

[Camster0307]

One guy used to tell me all the time that a southerners biggest nightmare was a yankee with a U-haul!

No respectable yankee would be caught dead hauling a trailer of any kind!

 

[karajeboo]

No respectable yankee would be caught dead hauling a trailer of any kind!

We did! When we moved to SC, we drove Jeff's car, a U-haul and towed my car. I'm sure there plenty of people cringing when they saw us pull up!

Tammie, I agree about Miss Cammie's TR. I was just reading the thread (yeah, I got sucked in by the drama!) and someone was explaining why they call her "miss" cammie. I know that's the southern way, but when we moved, I didn't really like it. I grew up in Kansas City, MO, and we were taught to address our elders as "Mr or Mrs Last Name." When I moved south I thought that Mr or Miss First Name was a bit presumptious. Just me, I guess. But my opnions apparently don't count because Ally calls all adults Mr or Miss First Name. But we try to correct her since we're in Florida now, which is either Southern Georgia and very, uh, how should I say this? Redneck! Or it's very much yankee influence. I've met more New Yorkers in my community! In fact, the rest of Florida doesn't even claim Jacksonville. They call it "Freakville!" Seriously! That's another story though - strange town. But back to names... I would think a step parent would just be called by their first name only?

 

[Camster0307]

Kara - Have you been keeping up with that TR? I have - yes, I too am drawn to the drama now!

I do think it's mean for people to be posting and criticizing her; but I must admit, they are doing it very articulately. Alot of them are posting what I have been thinking for some time. Some posters have now called her out on the whole thing being a work of fiction. Whether it is or isn't, why do they care anyway? Obviously people are enjoying it (though I do think it's crazy that some people post that they wish she was their stepmother! ))

Again, I do think she's making this stuff up; but if people are offended by it, why don't they just stop reading it?

 

[karajeboo]

Cammie - I totally agree with EVERY word you just wrote. The first person that responded to her and said that he/she enjoyed it, but that technically she is posting pics and using names, and if the kids ever read it, or the mom finds it, she could be in trouble. (Heck, I even deleted pics and edited my TR with my crazy inlaws just in case.....) I think that is very true, and it was stated very well, with no hostility or anything. I think it was just someone who was concerned....

But there are seriously some mean and nasty people that have come out of the woodwork lately. Just to stir up trouble.

Who cares if it's fiction!!! It's an enjoyable read. I agree, if ya don't like it, don't read it. Crazy how you can get into the drama, huh?

Have you read LaLa's TR? It's pretty funny, too. Especially the comments from ZZUB.

 

[Camster0307]

I'll have to check out LaLa's TR.

I'm just really getting into TRs lately; I really want to write one when I get back from our June trip. Don't think mine will measure up with alot of them though.

Another funny one I'm reading - "He Said - She Said" by dreamer17255 (or something like that). It's pretty funny; she types her version of events; then her husband comes in with his comments.

 

[TinaLala]

Finally a nice warm/cool day in MA! Last night we finally got the pool completely filled and ready to go and now it's going to be cool all weekend long. I'm sure the girls are going to go in the pool no matter what the temperature is, so I'm not worried.

I opened the door to the backyard and what do I see - that's right my first SNAKE of the season!! That's right they're back! You have to understand my DD8 has been known to stay in her room for weeks in order to stay way from Snakes. Last year she saw 2 of them minutes apart in two different spots of the yard, I didn't think she was ever going to come out of her room that month.

So today I'm going to finish making shorts for the girls and then probably veg out today!!

Hope everyone is having a good day!!

 

[DizzyErin]

Yes, Cammie is heading to Raglan Road. We will be dining there a week from this Monday!

I'm very excited! I have many fine memories of frequenting Irish pubs back in my college days!

Erin - What's the scoop on bread pudding? It's not a dessert I would normally order but it gets rave review on the food porn thread. Is it that good?

Ok bread and butter pudding is not something i like to be honest .. however my friend had it at Raglan Rd and absolutely looved it!! To me it's a winter desert, it's like a comfort food .... try it and see

 

[CRdisMom]

the pond in the backyard is just a koi pond. We have sandy soil here so it if over fills it will just get sucked up by the perpetually dry sand.

It has rained off and on since Sunday. I am afraid that is what is head out east. Cammie will be in midst of it when she gets to leave. Won't Pam #1 be there at the same time?

It is nice out now almost 80. We're setting up the slip and slide for beth. That child will go in the lake when it is freezing. It will be a good time and then off the Y. I have found all the inches and weight that I misplaced this winter. I am going in the opposite direction I want to be. I figured it was because of work. I keep telling myself to get on track. Maybe if I do enough self talk I will convince myself back into weight loss. keep trying to find a way to try Seattle Suttons healthly eating.

 

[karajeboo]

I opened the door to the backyard and what do I see - that's right my first SNAKE of the season!! That's right they're back! You have to understand my DD8 has been known to stay in her room for weeks in order to stay way from Snakes. Last year she saw 2 of them minutes apart in two different spots of the yard, I didn't think she was ever going to come out of her room that month.

Now you're talking MY language! Of course I haven't seen one.... yet, but I know it's only a matter of time. I used to love to work in the yard, weeding, planting, caring for my babies each season. But I'm terrified to do that here! Have I told y'all how much I hate Florida?

I have found all the inches and weight that I misplaced this winter. I am going in the opposite direction I want to be. I figured it was because of work. I keep telling myself to get on track. Maybe if I do enough self talk I will convince myself back into weight loss. keep trying to find a way to try Seattle Suttons healthly eating.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! I just need to get back IN the race! I was doing great on Jenny Craig, and even when I was eating my own foods I was still losing. Then we moved. Again, it's all Florida's fault! Have I told y'all how much......? Yeah, I think I have!

I'm so lazy today that I drove the golf cart up to the pool for 1/2 hr, ordered myself a turkey wrap sandwich to go and grabbed it before I left to eat at home! I know, that's terrible! AND I saw Ally playing on the playground with all her friends so I stopped to see her for awhile. But I know she's having way more fun there than she would at home with me while I'm working.

OK, so the new comforter and drapes came yesterday. I don't like them. The comforter is okay - it's very thin, what's it called? Has the pattern in it.... Anyway, the bedskirt is very tailored and I like that, and I like the color - kind of a light sage green - but I don't like the drapes at all. It's kind of a golden yellow/rust/brown/green paisley pattern. Too much I think. but I need to take one out and hang it just to make sure.

Then, the photo book came! I'll take some pics and posst later.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

1 lb lean ground beef
1/4 c chopped onions
1 pckg taco seasoning mix (I made my own, see below!)
1 egg beaten
2 cups cooked rice
4-6 bell peppers
1 (19 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (16 oz) jar salsa
shredded cheddar chees
sour cream

1. Combine beef, onion, seasoning mix and egg in large bowl.
2. Add rice and mix well.
3. Cut peppers in half lengthwise; remove seeds and membrane.
4. Spread tomatoes on bottom of baking dish. The liquid from the tomatoes will reduce during cooking so if you like lots of sauce you may want to add more water. This also makes the peppers softer.
5. Place peppers, cut side up, on top of the tomatoes.
6. Spoon beef mixture into pepper, mounding up as necessary.
7. Top each pepper with salsa.
8. Bake at 375 deg for 40-45 minutes or until beef is cooked thoroughly and peppers are soft.
9. cover each pepper with cheese and return to oven, under broiler, until cheese melts - only about a minute!
10. Serve with sour cream and additional salsa.

Taco Seasoning Mix (great to keep on hand!)
2t instant minced onion
1t chili powder
1/2t crushed red pepper
1/4 t oregano
1t salt
1/2t cornstarch
1/2 t instant minced garlic
1/2 t cumin

OK, that was my Bree moment of the day. Seriously though, I whipped this up in about 10 minutes and threw in the oven. Very yummy! AND about 400 calories per serving (which is 2 pepper halves!), 12 grams fat and 6 grams fiber! Not bad, huh?

This sounds devine!

You made your own taco seasoning?!

I let Mrs. "Ortega" make mine!

You are my hero!

I'm making homemade pizza dough now!

It's me again! I have been getting these "welts" on my face, just my cheeks, .

Sounds like Hives. DD gets them - can be from food sources too. FYI...

Late Happy Birthday To DEBBIE!!!!

Just trying to hold down the fort while she's gone!

I was just about to comment that Cammie is getting Jiggy with the smilies! Ha ha!

Cammie - almost single digits for you!!!! Are you packed yet!

Okay - feeling 60% better. The ENT wasnt' pleased. He is putting me on Clindomycine 2 tabs every 8 hours. Keep it up until the poo is pouring out like water, then stop it. LOVELY. Just me - or isn't that so what you don't want your doctor to tell you? Turns out he thinks I've had the same sinus infection since Nov and it is terrible - and thanks to all the weak antibiotics, a little resistant to meds. GREAT. Next thing is appt week after next, Xray, CT scan and surgery. Hoping it doesn't come to that!

Nicolas had his specialist visit for his eyes today. LOVED the pediatric specialist. He had such cool tests and turns out his vision isn't 20/50, but 20/25 & 20/30 with a 1.5 astigmatism in each eye. Basically - not bad enough for glasses.

I'm missing Houston. The Westin was great. It did smell moldy but I think that was due to the heat and the air going all the time. We found a great Mexican place and literally ate there daily! I love Mexican food!!!!! I miss it!

Kara - that is it honey, no moving to Orlando. I cannot handle scorpions! No thanks - deal is off - no way, Jose. Nashville is just fine, thank you very much. No scorpions.!!!!

I ran into a lady who grew up in Orlando today, she was talking to me about weather. She said hands down go in October, so I'm thinking the thing to do is move our trip back to October. At least Mia will be a half year older, and that can make a big difference (2 yrs vs. 2 1/2 yrs) in the melt down factor, so as bad as I hate to wait that long, it may be in the trips best interest to do it. I can't believe that is coming from me!

 

[karajeboo]

Renee - wow, you HAVE been gone a long time based on some of those quotes! Glad you're back with us!

I do agree that October sounds better - I think it'll be better for both of your children to be just a bit older. And gives you more time to plan! Besides, isn't the anticipation and planning 1/2 the fun of vacation?

OK, picture time! If you want to see a skink, my tailless friend from the porch, click here. http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn...ik/snake-eyed-skink--ablepharus-kitaibeli.jpg

Looks too much like a real snake to post.

More pics! These are some pics of the photobook we bought from photopass. It came out really good! I uploaded a bunch of my own photos, too, and the clarity is awesome! Looks like a professional picture book! The glare you see is from my windows......

We ended up making it 30 pages which is a good size. We can keep it on the coffee table for people to look at, but I can still do a nice scrapbook, too.

 

[Camster0307]

Ok - I'm getting hit on by the two guys here to service my boiler (and no, there is no sexual innuedo in that statement!) Too bad they are old and smell like oil!

Where's the oil guy that looks like George Clooney?

I'll be back to check out the posts I've missed.

 

[karajeboo]

I'm getting hit on by the two guys here to service my boiler

Where is the tag fairy NOW?????

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Ok - I'm getting hit on by the two guys here to service my boiler (and no, there is no sexual innuedo in that statement!) Too bad they are old and smell like oil!

Where's the oil guy that looks like George Clooney?

I'll be back to check out the posts I've missed.

Okay Cammie, from now on when you say your prayers, you need to be more specific. Rather than just saying, "please send me a hot guy... or two" you need to say "please send me a hot guy - cute hot, not sweaty hot - ... or two."

 

[Camster0307]

Oh good grief - they just left! Very funny and very nice - not my type though! But they kept me downstairs talking -- poor Amanda was upstairs by herself!

Anyhoo - Renee, sorry you're still not feeling well. I hope the new meds do the trick for you! You should be a lovely vision over the next few days!

Kara - The photobook came out sooo nice! I think I'm going to do one for our June trip. Now, did you say you can use both photopass pix and your own? Do you have to purchase the photopass cd to used those pix in the album? Or can I bypass the cd, have a bunch of photopass pix taken and then use them just for the album? Am I making sense?

I've started to get a few things together for our trip. Will put alot more together this weekend when the girls' are at their dad's. I went into Lauren's room last night and she had all of these post-its hanging up with reminders of things to bring to Disney. She also tells me she really needs to start packing her carry-on..........packing her carry-on 10 DAYS ahead of time - I've taught her well!

Well, the girls and I are heading out for chinese food.

See you all later!

 

[Camster0307]

Anyhoo - Renee, sorry you're still not feeling well. I hope the new meds do the trick for you! You should be a lovely vision over the next few days!

I'm quoting myself because I'm just referring to you dripping the contents of your nose all weekend!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Kara - the book came out lovely. So lovely, I'm jealous!

!Anyhoo - Renee, sorry you're still not feeling well. I hope the new meds do the trick for you! You should be a lovely vision over the next few days!

Now, did you say you can use both photopass pix and your own?
yes

Do you have to purchase the photopass cd to used those pix in the album?
no

Or can I bypass the cd, have a bunch of photopass pix taken and then use them just for the album? yes

Am I making sense?perfectly

I went into Lauren's room last night and she had all of these post-its hanging up with reminders of things to bring to Disney. Let me guess, she takes after you???
!

I'm quoting myself because I'm just referring to you dripping the contents of your nose all weekend!

Well, I got that reference, just thought you were talking about other things.. I've done this one once before, and it is NOT pretty. Hopefully, it will do the trick. It is going to be an awful 10 days. It makes your mouth BURN, gives you the runs - yeah, lovely 10 days I have coming up. Sigh.

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Oh, just realized the day I come off them is your first day in WDW -

Any thoughts yet on what you are bringing back for Amanda?